Sunday, 30 January 2011

The Award Programme Foundation (APF) is licensed by The Duke of Edinburgh's Award International Association. APF has a Board of Trustees and they appoint the National Director. The office of the National Award Authority (NAA), is in New Delhi and the National Award Authority has an advisory Governing Council. The Zones are represented on the Governing Council through the Chairpersons.

The NAA issues Operators Licenses to Zones, Corporate, Social / NGO bodies and other youth organisations. The Indian Special Projects are all licensed and supported by the NAA.

The four Zones in India i.e. North, South, East and West, administer the Award in the Schools, and serve the needs of the participants in the 14-18 ages. In addition the national office under the YES (youth engaging society) initiative partners with institutions, social bodies, universities and governments to help young people of the 14-25 ages participate in The Award Programme.

Panchlingashwar: landscape that has drifted from heaven

Special ProjectsExpedition

PANCHALINGASHWAR) FROM 22ND TO 26TH JANUARY 2011

IAYP gave us this wonderful opportunity to enjoy the expedition with ICNL (Institute of Climbers Nature Lovers) Kolkata.

Panchlingashwar is situated in Orissa, near Balasore. Forest and hills stay together in this grand Eastern-ghat mountain range. The forest here is called “Shimlipal”. Elephants, porcupine, deer, hill-goat, shambar, squirrels etc live here. Of course here lives the tiger too, but they don’t bother ICNL. They live in the core area of the forest and they don’t invite anyone. So, we did not go there.

Panchlingashwar is a piece of heaven that must have drifted from the kingdom of God. This land of rolling hills is inhabited by a proud race of villagers and wild creatures.The laziest individuals are converted into lively and highly energetic ones by rock-climbing, rappelling etc. Numerous walking trails in this region are a favourite with trekkers. Birds, bees, and butterflies are there to give you company. Wild cocks , squirrels, and monkeys keep a watchful eyes from the trees.

My students (Manav Vikas School- Jamshedpur) gained a little bit of knowledge about mountaineering and climbed some hills. We were sharing the thrilling experiences with some experienced climbers and they were briefing some of the difficulties they faced during the climbing of mountains. It was so interesting indeed.

The climb to Panchlingeshwar, which is in the eastern ghat mountain range of India brings you the panoramic view of the misty landscape. Panchlingeshwar temple is a bonus. The monks in red and yellow robes are amongst the many surprises that await the visitors searching for the heart and soul of India.

Kalyani ChakrabortyAward leader and teacher

Manav Vikas School (Indian Special Projects of IAYP India)For more about the Indian Special Projects visit our website